John Compton

John Anthony Compton

John Anthony Compton passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the age of 70. John was born July 28, 1945 in Los Angeles, California to Carol Priscilla Compton. He was also lovingly raised by Jean Wilson and her family.

John graduated from West Hollywood high school in 1963. He served his country during the Vietnam War. He later attended West Valley Junior College where he met the love of his life whom he later married on August 23, 1969 at St Frances Cabrini Cathedral. In 1977 John and his wife, Deborah, moved to Brigham City, Utah where they made their home for over 37 years.

In November 1973 their daughter Sabrina Ruth was born. She was a great delight to him all the days of his life and energetically supported her passion for equestrian riding, transporting her and her horse and cheering them on at horse shows at the state and national level.

John attended San Jose State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He later received a Master’s degree in History from Utah State University. Throughout his schooling and after graduation, John worked as a Quality Engineer at Lockheed Martin until his retirement in 2011.

John was a man “who never let moss grow under his feet”. Throughout his life he was always engaged in a plethora of unique pastimes. John especially enjoyed searching for and uncovering antique bottles and other artifacts. He was a member of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors. Many evening hours were spent in the garage sanding and restoring antique furniture to either sell or add to his home’s collection. In the early 80’s he and his family and friends relished their time together camping and attending mountain man rendezvous.

For years his passion for fly fishing took him and his family to Ennis, Montana where he would while away the days on the Madison River. Back at home and in his spare time, John frequented the rivers and streams of Northern Utah where he found peace and solace in nature. He was often caught taking a rest from fishing and enjoying a good book beside the bank.

John was an avid reader mostly of historical fiction and would read at least a book or two a week. He would always be found with a book in his hand and Wallace Stegner, Wendell Berry, and Jim Harrison were among his favorite authors.

After retirement John discovered a talent for painting with oils. He took weekly classes in Salt Lake City and created many beautiful impressionistic paintings that have become treasured family keepsakes.

John was known by his close family and friends, as a “gentle giant”, always exhibiting a calm and serene manner, however, they also enjoyed his irresistible bouts of floor rolling laughter.

John is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; their daughter, Sabrina Foster; and her husband, Brad whom he considered his son; his grandchildren, Hunter John Anthony and “Princess” Ameleine Priscilla completed him.

Also surviving are his godmother and sister-in-law, Cynthia Wade Finnegan; brother-in-law, Kevin Finnegan; who shared many a baseball game with John; his niece, Courtney Graham; and nephew, Ryan Weeks.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held a later date.